Insulation system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

ABSTRACT

A system and a method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building that displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof. Anti-billowing anti-displacement means prevent movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building that would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving the outer flexible fabric roof.

The present application claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/514,313 filed May 10, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a novel and unique insulation system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof

Frequently, it is necessary to insulate or further insulate a steel framed structure that is covered on the outside with a flexible fabric stretched over the framework and tensioned. The initially-installed insulation lays at the top side of the lower chord of a truss in most cases. When wind moves across the building, it creates a billowing action that can move or shift the insulation system, and possibly displace or dislodge the individual battings if they are not fixed in place.

The present invention solves this problem in an economical fashion.

It is a desideratum of the present invention to avoid the animadversions of the prior art and conventional roofing insulation techniques, and to provide a novel and unique easy-to-use insulation system which can be used for a building structure having a flexible fabric roof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof, comprising, in combination: a steel framed structure including a plurality of roof trusses; a flexible fabric roof stretched over said steel framed structure and contacting said plurality of roof trusses and tensioned; a plurality of lower chords of said plurality of roof trusses; anti-billowing anti-displacement means for preventing movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving said outer flexible fabric roof; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means includes a plurality of steel bands stretched and tensioned and affixed directly to and contiguous with said lower chords forming a steel band platform; said steel bands are tensioned tightly and then attached directly to and contiguous with said lower chords of said plurality of roof trusses by screw type fasteners; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes one or more insulating battings disposed directly on and contiguous with said steel band platform formed by said plurality of steel bands; said insulating battings are located on said steel band platform, which in turn is attached to said lower chords of said roof trusses, which roof trusses in turn contact a lower surface of said flexible fabric roof; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes a plurality of holes punched in said steel bands; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes a plurality of first stick-pins and mating first locking washers for securing said insulating battings in compressed condition to said steel bands of said steel band platform; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes having each said first stick-pin pass through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, and through said insulating battings, and secured thereto by an associated one of said first locking washers, and said stick-pin is bent over to help hold said locking washer in position; and said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes each said first stick-pin having a stick-pin head which directly contacts and is contiguous with its associated steel band.

The present invention also provides a method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof, comprising the steps of: covering a steel framed structure including a plurality of roof trusses with a flexible fabric roof; stretching and tensioning said flexible fabric roof over said plurality of roof trusses; installing anti-billowing anti-displacement means for preventing movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving said outer flexible fabric roof; stretching and tensioning tightly a plurality of steel bands, and affixing said plurality of steel bands directly to and contiguous with lower chords of said roof trusses in the building; placing one or more insulating battings directly on and contiguous with said plurality of stretched and tightly tensioned steel bands; forming a plurality of holes in said steel bands; and passing a first stick-pin through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, and through said insulating battings, and securing each said first stick-pin thereto by an associated one of first locking washers whereby a stick-pin head directly contacts and is contiguous with its associated steel band.

A primary object of the invention is to solve the following problem. Outward forces moving the outer flexible fabric roof produces movements on the insulation blanket inside the building. The present invention provides means to prevent displacement of the insulation blanket.

An object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method wherein tensioned steel bands are installed with screws to the lower chords of trusses of a roof framework to form a strap platform.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein battings are attached to the bands by punching holes in the band, and using stick-pins with locking washers.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein, when the locking washers are set, the insulation battings are compressed locally and be held in compressed condition.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein, after placing the locking washer on an associated stick-pin to secure the insulation batting to the steel band, the stick pin is bent over to hold the locking washer in position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein coiled insulation fastening bands may also be used on the purlins as well as in the wall areas.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein there can also be installed on top of the batting a plastic sheet for vapor protection, and optionally a plastic sheet below for a finished ceiling.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein the bands can run in any direction through the building, with attachments to whatever member is convenient with the insulation attached to them.

Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type including a support system for securing insulation into various types of building structures having flexible fabric roofs, where conventional insulation methods do not work.

Other objects, advantages, features and modifications of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent specification with its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view, partly in section, of a steel band contiguous with a lower chord of a truss in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the FIG. 1 embodiment with a screw type fastener securing the band to the lower chord of a truss.

FIG. 3 shows the FIG. 2 embodiment with two insulation battings positioned thereon.

FIG. 4 shows the FIG. 3 embodiment with stick-pins and locking washers securing the battings in place.

FIG. 5 shows the FIG. 4 embodiment with a plastic vapor protection sheet positioned on the battings.

FIG. 6 shows the FIG. 5 embodiment with stick-pins and locking washers securing the plastic sheet in place.

FIG. 7 shows the FIG. 6 embodiment in relation to upper and lower chords of a truss.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the components prior to installing the battings.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged section at a juncture of a purlin and a lower chord of a truss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a system and a method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof.

The building with the flexible fabric roof is somewhat similar to a tent which is exposed to wind and other external forces.

The invention provides anti-billowing anti-displacement means for preventing movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving said outer flexible fabric roof.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown the sequence of installing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view, partly in section, of a steel band 10 contiguous with a lower chord 11 of a truss in accordance with first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the FIG. 1 embodiment with a screw type fastener 12 securing the band 10 to the chord 11.

FIG. 3 shows the FIG. 2 embodiment with two battings 13 and 14 positioned thereon.

FIG. 4 shows the FIG. 3 embodiment with first stick-pins 15 and 16 and locking washers 17 and 18, respectively, securing the battings 13 and 14 in place.

FIG. 5 shows the FIG. 4 embodiment with a plastic vapor protection sheet 19 positioned on the battings 13 and 14.

FIG. 6 shows the FIG. 5 embodiment with second stick-pins 20 and 21 and second locking washers 22 and 23, respectively. securing the plastic sheet 19 in place.

FIG. 7 shows the FIG. 6 embodiment in relation to the lower chord 11 of a truss 30 and an upper chord 24 of the truss 30, a fabric ceiling 31, and a fabric roof 32.

The bands 10 are tensioned tightly, and are screwed at every lower chord 11.

Preferably, but not necessarily, 1″ steel bands 10 are installed with screws 12 to the chords 11 of the framework to form a strap platform. As many steel bands 10 are used as is necessary to support and attach the size of the battings 13 and 14, which may, for example, be 4″ to 9″ thick.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the bands 10 may be spaced apart between 24″ to 40″, but approximately 36″ is preferred, to form a strap or steel band platform. The battings 13 and 14 are attached to the bands 10 by punching holes in the band 10, and using stick-pins 15 and 16 with locking washers 17 and 18, respectively.

Preferably, but not necessarily, when the locking washers are set, the battings 13 and 14 will compress and be held in compressed condition.

After placing the first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said batting to said steel band, the first stick pin is bent over to help hold the locking washer in position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the components prior to installing the battings 13 and 14. There is shown the lower chord 11 of the truss 30, the upper chord 24 of the truss 30, a purlin 34, the fabric ceiling 31, the fabric roof 32, and the batting 13.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged section at a juncture of the purlin 34 and the lower chord 11 of a truss 30.

Preferably, but not necessarily, coiled insulation fastening bands may also be used on the purlins 34 as well as in the wall areas.

Preferably, but not necessarily, to the above-described strap platform with battings, there can also be installed the plastic sheet 19 for vapor protection, and optionally a plastic sheet below for a finished ceiling.

The bands 10 can run in any direction through the building, with attachments to what ever member is convenient with the insulation attached to them.

The present invention thus provides a support system for securing insulation in a building having a flexible fabric roof, where conventional insulation methods do not work.

While the foregoing describes only exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention covers all variations, modifications and changes thereof which will occur to those persons skilled in the art and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent application. 

1. A system for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof, comprising, in combination: a steel framed structure including a plurality of roof trusses; a flexible fabric roof stretched over said steel framed structure and contacting said plurality of roof trusses and tensioned; a plurality of lower chords of said plurality of roof trusses; anti-billowing anti-displacement means for preventing movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving said outer flexible fabric roof; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means includes a plurality of steel bands stretched and tensioned and affixed directly to and contiguous with said lower chords forming a steel band platform; said steel bands are tensioned tightly and then attached directly to and contiguous with said lower chords of said plurality of roof trusses by screw type fasteners; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes one or more insulating battings disposed directly on and contiguous with said steel band platform formed by said plurality of steel bands; said insulating battings are located on said steel band platform, which in turn is attached to said lower chords of said roof trusses, which roof trusses in turn contact a lower surface of said flexible fabric roof; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes a plurality of holes punched in said steel bands; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes a plurality of first stick-pins and mating first locking washers for securing said insulating battings in compressed condition to said steel bands of said steel band platform; said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes having each said first stick-pin pass through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, and through said insulating battings, and secured thereto by an associated one of said first locking washers, and said stick-pin is bent over to help hold said locking washer in position; and said anti-billowing anti-displacement means further includes each said first stick-pin having a stick-pin head which directly contacts and is contiguous with its associated steel band.
 2. A system according to claim 1, including: a plastic sheet adjacent said insulating battings for vapor protection.
 3. A system according to claim 2, including: a plurality of second stick-pins and mating second locking washers for securing said plastic sheet to said batting and said steel bands of said steel band platform.
 4. A system according to claim 3, wherein: each said second stick-pin passes through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, through said insulating battings, through said plastic sheet, and is secured thereto by an associated one of said second locking washers.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein: each said insulating batting includes a laminated sheet attached thereto.
 6. A system according to claim 2, wherein: each said insulating batting includes a laminated sheet attached thereto.
 7. A system according to claim 3, wherein: each said insulating batting includes a laminated sheet attached thereto.
 8. A system according to claim 4, wherein: each said insulating batting includes a laminated sheet attached thereto.
 9. A method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof, comprising the steps of: covering a steel framed structure including a plurality of roof trusses with a flexible fabric roof; stretching and tensioning said flexible fabric roof over said plurality of roof trusses; installing anti-billowing anti-displacement means for preventing movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building which would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving said outer flexible fabric roof; stretching and tensioning tightly a plurality of steel bands, and affixing said plurality of steel bands directly to and contiguous with lower chords of said roof trusses in the building; placing one or more insulating battings directly on and contiguous with said plurality of stretched and tightly tensioned steel bands; forming a plurality of holes in said steel bands; and passing a first stick-pin through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, and through said insulating battings, and securing each said first stick-pin thereto by an associated one of first locking washers whereby a stick-pin head directly contacts and is contiguous with its associated steel band.
 10. A method according to claim 9, including the step of: placing a plastic sheet adjacent said insulating batting for vapor protection.
 11. A method according to claim 10, including the steps of: passing a second stick-pin through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, through said batting, and through said plastic sheet; and securing said plastic sheet in place by an associated second locking washer.
 12. A method according to claim 9, including the step of: using screw type fasteners to secure said steel bands to said lower chords of the trusses.
 13. A method according to claim 9, including the step of: compressing each said insulating batting when placing said first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said insulating batting to said steel band.
 14. A method according to claim 9, including the step of: maintaining each said insulating batting in a compressed condition at least adjacent said first locking washers.
 15. A method according to claim 10, including the step of: using screw type fasteners to secure said steel bands to said lower chords of the trusses.
 16. A method according to claim 10, including the step of: compressing each said isulating batting when placing said first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said insulating batting to said steel band.
 17. A method according to claim 10, including the step of: maintaining each said insulating batting in a compressed condition at least adjacent said first locking washers.
 18. A method according to claim 11, including the step of: using screw type fasteners to secure said steel bands to said lower chords of the trusses.
 19. A method according to claim 11, including the step of: compressing each said isulating batting when placing said first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said insulating batting to said steel band.
 20. A method according to claim 11, including the step of: maintaining each said insulating batting in a compressed condition at least adjacent said first locking washers. 